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Trepanier Lodge No. 83A.F. & A.M.G.R.B.C. & Y.FAQ |
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Here you will find a collection of questions and answers regarding Freemasonry and the associated crafts. If you have further questions about Freemasonry or would like to know how to become a Freemason, please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information. Is Freemasonry a secret society? What is the Purpose of Freemasonry? Are there there other goals after achieving the three degrees? Why does Freemasonry have so much symbolism? If I become a Freemason, will I prosper financially? What is the origin of Freemasonry? What types of Masonic Charities exist in British Columbia? How do I qualify to become a Freemason? Where can I find more information about Masonry in British Columbia? Is this information provided here a solicitation to become a Freemason? A. Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world. Its membership is comprised of men from all walks of life. Freemasonry dates back many centuries to the stonemasons who built the great cathedrals of Europe in the Middle Ages. Their working tools and the structure of their exclusive society of those days are still used symbolically in Freemasonry. The actual practices and procedures observed worldwide were formalized with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 and have not been extensively altered since that time. The first warrant for a Masonic Lodge, in what was then known as the Colony of Vancouver's Island, was granted in 1859, by the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, authorizing the formation of Victoria Lodge, No. 1085, E.C. Some months later Union Lodge at New Westminster in the Colony of British Columbia, was formed and received its charter on the 16th December, 1861. Freemasonry in British Columbia continued to operate under the Grand Lodges of Scotland and England until the Grand Lodge of British Columbia was established in 1871. Since these early beginnings many prominent men in the history of British Columbia and Canada have place their names on the membership rolls of various lodges throughout the province. top A. A Freemason is a member of the world's largest fraternal organization. He not only enjoys the friendship and brotherhood of other Freemasons in his community, but also is welcomed by Freemasons anywhere in the world. A Freemason is a man of faith, who uses tools of moral and ethical principles to serve mankind. He binds himself to like-minded men in a brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, social, cultural and educational differences. A Freemason is dedicated - he recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, charity, honesty and integrity. Freemasons work building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building a house. A Freemason believes that there is such a thing as honour, and that a man has a responsibility to act with honour in everything he does. A Freemason teaches that principle. He believes that a life not founded on honour is hollow and empty - that a man who acts without honour is less than a man. A Freemason believes that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more rewarding. He becomes involved with problems and needs of others because he knows it gives each of us a good feeling to help, a feeling unlike any other. A Freemason believes that every person should strive to be a good citizen and that he has a moral duty to be true to the country in which he lives, for loyalty to one's country is essential. A Freemason is expected to obey every lawful authority, obey the laws of the country in which he lives and promote its general welfare. In no way do these requirements interfere with a Freemason's civil right to protest and seek legislative changes by lawful means. Freemasons and the Masonic family contribute not only their money, but also an incredible amount of time to various charities. Internationally the Masonic family donates over three million dollars per day to various charitable works. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude. We're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on. top Q. Is Freemasonry a secret society? A. Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does nothing to conceal its existence or its activities. Its only secrets are simply modes of recognition between Masons. top Q. What is the Purpose of Freemasonry? A. From very early times Freemasonry has provided an opportunity for men to meet and enjoy the pleasures of friendly companionship in the spirit of helpfulness and charity, and guided by strict moral principles. Its members are encouraged to practice a way of life that will sustain high standards in their relationships with their fellow men. In other words, the practice of Brotherhood. It is an organization which recognizes no distinction between races, creeds, or social qualifications. top Q. How is Freemasonry organized? A. The organization of Freemasonry is based on a system of Grand Lodges, and each one is sovereign and independent within its own territory. There is no central authority governing all Freemasonry, but each Grand Lodge, in order to be "recognized" by the others, must maintain acceptable standards and follow established traditions and practices of Freemasonry. The Grand Master, with his officers, supervises his "constituent" Lodges, and each Lodge and each member is required to observe the regulations set out in the Constitution. top A. The Lodge is the basic unit of Freemasonry. Each year it elects its officers to manage its affairs. Through them the members are encouraged to achieve a better understanding of the ideals and principles of our "Craft". It is through the. Lodge that a man becomes a member of our Fraternity. When he has been accepted, he receives, over a period of time, the three degrees of Freemasonry. It is through these three degrees that our teachings are mainly presented, as each one conveys a moral lesson. top Q. Are there there other goals after achieving the three degrees? A. There are other Concordant bodies in Freemasonry. The whole purpose and teaching of Freemasonry is communicated through the three degrees of the Craft Lodge. A member, however, may wish to extend his experiences of Freemasonry by participating in additional degrees such as the Scottish Rite or Royal Arch masonry. Through these he may become a member of the Shrine. The Shriners, with their colorful parades, their annual circus, and their work for crippled children are probably the best known to the public. However, to become a member of any of these bodies a man must be, and remain a member of his Craft Lodge. Since membership in the Masonic Order is for men only there are various women's and youth organizations, which may require sponsorship by Masonic Lodges, or for those whc are relatives of Freemasons. The aims of these groups have an affinity with Freemasonry. top Q. Why does Freemasonry have so much symbolism? A. To assist in communicating our truths and principles much use is made of symbolism. For this our ceremonies reach back to the usages of the old "Operative'' trade. Many of the tools and implements used by these builders are now employed as symbols to convey moral truth. Most people are familiar with the symbol of the ''square and compasses'' which is generally recognized as the trademark'' of Freemasonry. This symbolism became associated with the Biblical account of the building of King Solomon's Temple at Jerusalem. Thus much of our ceremony is based on the facts and legends of that famous structure. top A. Freemasons meet regularly in their Lodges for the transaction of necessary business, for fellowship, and for the discussion of matters of Masonic interest. They are pledged to preserve the moral fiber and quality of life and to act in a spirit of helpfulness towards all men. They are taught to make Charity and Benevolence a distinguishing characteristic of their Masonic life. top A. Freemasonry is not a religion and makes no pretence to be one - but it does, however, require that a man believe in a Supreme Being. Men of all faiths have become Freemasons because the principles Freemasonry espouses are compatible with the teachings of the recognized faiths of the world. top Q. If I become a Freemason, will I prosper financially? A. Freemasonry is not an organization that provides material gain or advancement to its membership. For to do so would lead to disappointment. top Q. What is the origin of Freemasonry? A. Our traditions go back over the centuries to 'he days of the 'Operative' masons. the men who built the cathedrals. abbeys and castles in times long past. In the 17th century the need for such builders declined, but the practices and customs of the Operative craft left an influence on a new movement that began in the second half of that century. Groups of men began to meet occasionally in various places in England, men who were not actual builders, but who evidently had an interest in the old craft. Some, no doubt, had had an actual connection with it. But these new groups had no direct concern with the building trade It would appear that they were men of integrity who enjoyed fellowship in an atmosphere of mutual trust amid the bitter divisions of the time. In order to give a basic form to their meetings it seems they adapted certain of the traditions and practices of the operative or working masons, and were influenced by the Scottish Operative Lodges. They called themselves 'masons", and when a man was admitted as a member of the group or Lodge, he was said to have been "made a mason In the year 1717 four such Lodges that had been meeting regularly in London and Westminster decided to unite in forming a "Grand Lodge" and elect a "Grand Master" as their head. As more Lodges were established in England they looked to this Grand Lodge for guidance. Thus over the years regulations were set up to govern the Craft, a Constitution was adopted, and the simple ceremonies of the earlier years were elaborated until they finally became the three degrees or steps which we now have. It was in this way that what we call Speculative masonry gradually evolved. From England Freemasonry spread to other countries where Lodges were formed, and eventually Grand Lodges were set up. There are now about 150 Grand Lodges in the world, with a total membership of nearly six million. One of these is the Grand Lodge of British Columbia with 173 Lodges and almost 23,000 members. top Q. Is Freemasonry a way of life? A. Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy towards others; dependability in work; compassion and concern for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; forgiveness for the penitent; love for one another; and, above all, reverence and love for God. Freemasonry is many things, but most of all it is A WAY OF LIFE. top Q. What types of Masonic Charities exist in British Columbia? A. The Freemasons of British Columbia purchased a fleet of vehicles in 1989 and established a Volunteer Driver Program which operates in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and in the Okanagan. The program provides transportation, free of charge, for cancer patients from their homes, the airport and bus depots, to the various cancer treatment centres, and return. This project, which has approximately 250 volunteer; 90 per cent of whom are Freemasons, operates in conjunction with the Canadian Cancer Society. Each year Freemasons, in addition to the Cancer Car Project, contribute many thousands of dollars toward providing medical equipment to hospitals, health centres, and to local community projects throughout British Columbia. Financial assistance is also directed to schools for handicapped children, bursaries for deserving students, and assistance to the elderly. Freemasons support youth activities such as the International Order of Job's Daughters and The Order of DeMolay. Through the Masonic Family, funds are raised for other worthy causes such as:
Q. How do I become a Freemason? A. One of the unique features of Freemasonry is that no man is ever invited to become a member. Freemasons are prohibited from the solicitation of new members. For that reason, it is sometimes difficult for an interested person to discover how to approach the fraternity for membership. It is easy, however, to find out; just contact a Freemason and ask him about Freemasonry, You probably know several Freemasons. Perhaps you have seen the Square and Compasses like the one on this brochure, on a ring, pin, or bumper sticker. If you know where the Masonic Lodge is in your community, stop by or look up the phone number and give them a call or contact the lodge listed on the back of this brochure. Freemasonry offers much to its members - the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better world for ourselves and our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and ideals. top Q. How do I qualify to become a Freemason? A. A man becomes a Freemason only through his own volition. We do not solicit members. When he makes his application the decision as to his acceptance rests with the Lodge members. If a man has some thought of becoming a Freemason he should approach a friend whom he knows to be a Mason who will explain the necessary procedure. Anyone seeking membership in our Order must meet certain qualifications. He must profess his belief in a Supreme Being; be a man of mature age (at least 21 years); be of high moral standards. He must maintain honorable relations with his fellow men, and be willing to share in Masonic activities. top Q. Where can I find more information about Masonry in British Columbia? A. One of the best resources is the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon web site. Q. Is this information provided here a solicitation to become a Freemason? A. The information contained on this page is not intended, and may in no way be regarded as an invitation to become a member of the Masonic Order. Its sole purpose is to acquaint people, generally, with its significant and worthwhile aims. top Anyone seeking further information about Freemasonry should inquire from a member of Trepanier Lodge or visit the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon website. |
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